Processing parameter generation device, processing system, and program

Abstract

A processing parameter generation device (11) comprises: a processing information management unit (13) that receives, in an input form presented to a user, an input of information indicating a processing result from a processing device (12) and an input of a processing parameter applied during processing in which the processing result has been obtained, and stores, in a database, processing information which includes information pertaining to the processing result associated with the processing parameter; and a generation processing unit (14) that acquires a required specification for the processing performed by the processing device (12) and outputs the processing parameter which has been generated on the basis of the required specification and the processing information read from the database.

Description

Processing Parameter Generation Device, Processing System, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing parameter generation device, a processing system, and a program for generating processing parameters of a processing device.

[0002] In a processing device in which a plurality of types of processing parameters are set, since the combinations of processing parameters are diverse, the adjustment of processing parameters for improving processing accuracy has required the know-how of skilled workers. In order to formalize the know-how of skilled workers, it is important to accumulate the processing results when processing is performed with various processing parameters and to systematize the knowledge related to processing. Based on the database constructed by accumulating the processing results, the processing device can derive processing parameters that satisfy the required specifications, enabling more accurate processing. However, conventionally, there has been a problem that it is difficult to effectively use the constructed database because the method of saving the processing results by multiple workers has not been unified or the processing results have not been centrally managed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a processing condition generation device that generates a combination of processing conditions including a plurality of types of processing conditions by inputting information indicating constraints in processing. The processing condition generation device according to Patent Document 1 stores basic data indicating the theoretical correlation between a plurality of types of parameters. The plurality of types of parameters having an ideal correlation include processing conditions and processing requirements required as parameters indicating constraints in processing.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5088826

[0005] In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the processing results are not centrally managed by accumulating the processing results associated with the processing parameters. Therefore, according to the conventional technology, there has been a problem that it is difficult to obtain processing parameters that satisfy the required specifications based on the database constructed by accumulating the processing results.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a machining parameter generation device that makes it possible to easily obtain machining parameters that satisfy the required specifications.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the processing parameter generation device according to this disclosure includes a processing information management unit that accepts input of information indicating the processing result by the processing device and input of processing parameters applied during the processing in which the processing result was obtained, in an input form presented to the user, and stores processing information including processing result information linked to the processing parameters in a database, and a generation processing unit that acquires the required specifications for processing by the processing device and outputs processing parameters generated based on the required specifications and the processing information read from the database.

[0008] The processing parameter generation device described herein has the effect of easily obtaining processing parameters that meet the required specifications.

[0009] Figures showing an example configuration of the processing system according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example configuration of the processing information management unit of the processing system according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example of an input form displayed by the display unit of the processing system according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example of a processing result area included in the input form in Embodiment 1; Figures explaining the selection of processing conditions, processing parameters, and target accuracy in the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example of an input module that accepts input of processing results in the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1; Figures explaining the database in which processing information is stored by the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example of a viewing form displayed by the display unit of the processing system according to Embodiment 1; Figures showing an example of the operation procedure of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1; Figure showing a first modified example of the processing system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a second modified example of the processing system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing an example of the configuration of the generation processing unit of the processing system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the learning unit of the artificial intelligence unit connected to the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the processing parameter acquisition unit of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a first modified example of the generation processing unit of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a second modified example of the generation processing unit of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a third modified example of the generation processing unit of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a fourth modified example of the generation processing unit of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing parameter generation device according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] The machining parameter generation apparatus, machining system, and program according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The processing system 10 comprises a processing parameter generation device 11 and a processing device 12.

[0012] The machining parameter generation device 11 generates machining parameters to be applied to machining performed by the machining apparatus 12. The machining apparatus 12 is an industrial machine that performs the machining process. Examples of machining apparatus 12 include wire EDM machines, die-sinking EDM machines, cutting machines, laser processing machines, or electron beam processing machines. The machining parameter generation device 11 and the machining apparatus 12 are connected to each other in a communicative manner by various known communication means. The communication means may be either wired or wireless.

[0013] In Embodiment 1, the machining parameter generation device 11 builds a database by accumulating machining results and centrally manages the machining results. The machining parameter generation device 11 generates machining parameters by processing the data in the database with an artificial intelligence unit, which will be described later. The machining parameter generation device 11 outputs the generated machining parameters to the machining device 12.

[0014] The machining parameter generation device 11 comprises a machining information management unit 13, a generation processing unit 14, a display unit 15, and an input unit 16. The machining information management unit 13 accepts inputs from the user in an input form, including information indicating the machining results by the machining device 12, the machining parameters applied during the machining that yielded the machining results, and the machining conditions during the machining that yielded the machining results.

[0015] The processing information management unit 13 stores processing information, including processing parameters and processing result information linked to processing conditions, in a database. In Embodiment 1, the user is the operator who uses the processing device 12. The user may also be the supervisor at the site where the processing device 12 is installed.

[0016] In Embodiment 1, machining conditions are conditions predetermined as prerequisites for machining. Machining conditions include information about the machining apparatus 12 used, information about the workpiece to be machined, or information about the tools used for machining. In Embodiment 1, machining parameters are parameters that directly affect the machining result and are required to be set before each machining operation. Machining parameters include, for example, parameters indicating the machining speed or parameters indicating the electrical conditions. The types of parameters that are required to be set as machining parameters vary depending on the type of machining apparatus 12. Specific numerical values ​​are set for each type of parameter.

[0017] The generation processing unit 14 acquires the required specifications for processing by the processing device 12 and outputs processing parameters generated based on the required specifications and processing information read from the database. In Embodiment 1, the required specifications are the desired specifications for processing by the processing device 12. The display unit 15 displays the information output from the processing information management unit 13 or the generation processing unit 14. The input unit 16 is operated by the user. Information is input to the input unit 16 by the user. The information input to the input unit 16 is sent to the processing information management unit 13 or the generation processing unit 14.

[0018] The display unit 15 displays an input form. The user inputs processing parameters, processing conditions, and processing results on the input form using the input unit 16. The processing information management unit 13 receives the processing parameters, processing conditions, and processing results entered by the input unit 16 and acquires processing information including the processing parameters, processing conditions, and processing results. The processing information management unit 13 stores the acquired processing information. The processing information management unit 13 outputs the stored processing information to the display unit 15. In this way, the processing information management unit 13 manages processing information by handling the acquisition, storage, and output of processing information.

[0019] In Embodiment 1, the user can freely customize the input form. The user creates the input form using the input unit 16. The processing information management unit 13 saves the created input form. When processing information is saved to the database, the input form used to input the processing information is also saved in the processing information management unit 13.

[0020] The display unit 15 displays a browsing form. The processing information management unit 13 reads the processing information stored in the database and displays the processing information on the browsing form presented to the user.

[0021] Next, the processing information management unit 13 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing information management unit 13 in the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The processing information management unit 13 includes a processing information acquisition unit 21, an information management processing unit 22, a browsing processing unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0022] The processing information acquisition unit 21 receives processing information from the input unit 16 and acquires processing information including processing parameters, processing conditions, and processing results. The storage unit 24 holds a database of processing information. The information management processing unit 22 writes the processing information acquired by the processing information acquisition unit 21 to the database in the storage unit 24. As a result, the processing information management unit 13 saves the processing information in the database.

[0023] The user instructs the processing parameter generation device 11 to display processing information stored in the database by operating the input unit 16. The browsing processing unit 23 reads the stored processing information from the storage unit 24 according to the user's instructions. The browsing processing unit 23 outputs the read processing information to the display unit 15. The display unit 15 displays the processing information using a browsing form.

[0024] Next, the input form displayed by the display unit 15 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an input form displayed by the display unit 15 of the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0025] The processing information management unit 13 accepts input of processing results, processing parameters, and processing conditions when test processing is performed by the processing device 12, via an input form. The processing parameters accepted via the input form are test processing parameters and standard processing parameters. Test processing parameters are the processing parameters applied in the test processing by the processing device 12. Standard processing parameters are the standard processing parameters used in the test processing. Test processing parameters are set based on pre-set standard processing parameters. The processing information management unit 13 stores processing information, including test processing parameters and standard processing parameters linked to the processing result information, in a database.

[0026] The processing conditions accepted via the input form are the test processing conditions and the standard processing conditions. The test processing conditions are the processing conditions used in the test processing. The standard processing conditions are the standard processing conditions used in the test processing. The test processing conditions are set based on the pre-set standard processing conditions. The processing information management unit 13 stores the processing information, including the test processing conditions and standard processing conditions linked to the processing result information, in the database.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing information management unit 13 accepts input of the guidelines for the test processing via an input form. The processing information management unit 13 stores the processing information, including the guidelines linked to the processing result information, in a database.

[0028] The database stores processing information, including test processing parameters, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, standard processing conditions, outlines, and processing results. In the following, a set of processing information consisting of processing results obtained from a single test processing run, and the test processing parameters, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, standard processing conditions, and outlines associated with those processing results, will be referred to as a record.

[0029] The input form consists of multiple display areas. The input form shown in Figure 3 has eight display areas. The top display area of ​​the input form shown in Figure 3 is a filter area where tools for narrowing down records in the database are displayed. The user specifies conditions such as machining conditions, machining parameters, target accuracy, number of machining passes, or machining ID (IDentifier) ​​in the filter area. Target accuracy is the accuracy targeted in the test machining. Number of machining passes is the number of machining passes if multiple machining passes are performed in the test machining. Here, one machining pass is defined as the period from the start to the end of machining of the workpiece. Test machining may consist of a single machining pass or multiple machining passes using the same test machining conditions and the same test machining parameters.

[0030] The information management processing unit 22 extracts records from the database that match the specified conditions. If multiple databases are stored in the storage unit 24, the user can select the database to be used for filtering records.

[0031] The filter area displays a "New Record" button, which is pressed when entering a new record, and a "Delete Record" button, which is pressed when deleting the currently displayed record. The filter area also displays a "Previous Record" button, which is pressed to display the record immediately preceding the currently displayed record in the record timeline, and a "Next Record" button, which is pressed to display the record immediately following the currently displayed record in the record timeline. When the "New Record" button is pressed, the processing conditions, processing parameters, and target accuracy that were displayed before the button was pressed are copied and carried over to the new record input form.

[0032] In the input form shown in Figure 3, of the eight display areas, seven other than the filter area are the outline area, standard machining conditions area, standard machining parameters area, test machining conditions area, test machining parameters area, target accuracy area, and machining results area.

[0033] The Guidelines area is a display area where the guidelines for the test processing are entered. The Guidelines area displays input fields for the processing ID, date and time, and worker. The processing ID is information used to identify the test processing. The "date and time" shown in the Guidelines area represents the date and time when the test processing was performed. The "worker" shown in the Guidelines area represents the worker who performed the test processing. The Guidelines area also displays input fields where the worker can enter the processing name (the name assigned to the test processing), the processing purpose (the objectives of the test processing), or comments about the test processing.

[0034] Furthermore, the guidelines area displays checkboxes that can be checked if there are concerns, and input fields where the content of the concerns can be entered. In Embodiment 1, concerns refer to events that the user has determined may affect the processing results. The processing information management unit 13 receives the input of concerns through the input form and stores the processing information, including the concerns linked to the processing result information, in the database.

[0035] Examples of concerns include a longer-than-usual period between the completion of machining and the measurement of the machining results, or the workpiece being subjected to impact, such as being dropped, before measurement. An example of a concern when the machining is wire electrical discharge machining is when a wire electrode breaks during machining, and machining is resumed immediately after reconnecting the wire.

[0036] The standard machining conditions area is a display area that accepts input of standard machining conditions. In Figure 3, "Machining Condition 1," "Machining Condition 2," ..., "Machining Condition 5" shown in the standard machining conditions area each represent an item of the machining conditions that constitutes the standard machining conditions. For example, the items of the machining conditions include the type of machining equipment 12, the model name of the machining equipment 12, the material of the workpiece, the thickness of the workpiece, the material of the tool, the type of tool, or the machining shape. In the example shown in Figure 3, the standard machining conditions area displays a tool that accepts the selection of the machining shape from a list.

[0037] In the processing system 10, pre-set standard processing conditions are saved along with the standard processing condition ID. The standard processing condition area displays an input field for the standard processing condition ID. The standard processing condition ID is information used to identify the standard processing conditions. When a standard processing condition ID is entered, the content of the standard processing condition corresponding to the entered standard processing condition ID is automatically displayed in the input fields for each of the above items.

[0038] The standard processing conditions area displays a "Processing Condition Selection" button that accepts the selection of standard processing conditions. When the "Processing Condition Selection" button is pressed, a list of saved standard processing conditions is displayed. The user selects a standard processing condition from the list. Once a standard processing condition is selected, the details of the selected standard processing condition are automatically displayed in the input fields for each item above. In this case, the input field for "Standard Processing Condition ID" in the standard processing conditions area displays the standard processing condition ID of the selected standard processing condition.

[0039] The standard processing conditions area displays a "New Processing Condition" button that accepts the input of new standard processing conditions. When the content to be used as the standard processing conditions is entered in the input fields for each of the above items, pressing the "New Processing Condition" button will save the standard processing conditions with the entered content. In addition, a new standard processing condition ID will be assigned to the newly saved standard processing conditions. In this case, the newly assigned standard processing condition ID will be displayed in the "Standard Processing Condition ID" input field in the standard processing conditions area.

[0040] The reference machining parameter area is a display area that accepts input for reference machining parameters. The reference machining parameter area receives a parameter set, which is the reference machining parameter. In Embodiment 1, a combination of multiple parameters that are machining parameters is referred to as a parameter set. In Figure 3, the rows in the table shown in the reference machining parameter area represent parameter sets. For reference machining parameters when machining is performed using multiple machining steps, the table shows the parameter set for each machining step. The reference machining parameter area shown in Figure 3 displays the parameter set for each of the three machining steps.

[0041] In the machining system 10, pre-set reference machining parameters are stored along with the reference machining parameter set ID. The reference machining parameter set ID is information for identifying the parameter set that is the reference machining parameter. The table shown in the reference machining parameter area includes a column showing the test machining parameter set ID and a column showing the reference machining parameter set ID. The test machining parameter set ID is information for identifying the parameter set that is the test machining parameter. In Figure 3, each of "machining parameter 1", "machining parameter 2", ..., "machining parameter 5" shown in the table represents an item of the machining parameter that is the reference machining parameter. For example, in the case of wire electrical discharge machining, the items of the machining parameter are the machining speed, voltage, current, or the pause time of the electrical pulse.

[0042] The standard machining parameter area displays a "Select Machining Parameter Set" button, which allows the user to select a parameter set that serves as the standard machining parameter. When the "Select Machining Parameter Set" button is pressed, a list of parameter sets that serve as the standard machining parameter is displayed. The user selects a parameter set from the list. Once a parameter set is selected, the contents of the selected parameter set are automatically displayed in the input fields for each item above.

[0043] In the reference processing parameter area, a button "Delete Processing Parameter Set" for accepting the deletion of a parameter set, which is a reference processing parameter, is displayed. When the "Delete Processing Parameter Set" button is pressed, the displayed parameter set is deleted.

[0044] The test processing condition area is a display area for accepting the input of test processing conditions. In FIG. 3, each of "Processing Condition 1", "Processing Condition 2",..., "Processing Condition 5" shown in the test processing condition area represents an item of processing conditions that are test processing conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the test processing condition area, a tool for accepting the selection of a processing shape from a list display is displayed.

[0045] In the test processing condition area shown in FIG. 3, a button "Select Processing Conditions" for accepting the selection of reference processing conditions, which are the reference for test processing conditions, is displayed. When the "Select Processing Conditions" button is pressed, a list of reference processing conditions is displayed. The user selects a reference processing condition from the list display. When a reference processing condition is selected, the content of the selected reference processing condition is automatically displayed in the input fields of the above items. The user can adjust the test processing conditions by appropriately rewriting the input fields of the above items. In the test processing condition area, the input fields rewritten from the reference processing conditions are colored. By coloring, the user can easily recognize the parts of the test processing conditions rewritten from the reference processing conditions.

[0046] In the test processing condition area, a button "New Processing Conditions" for accepting the input of new test processing conditions is displayed. When the "New Processing Conditions" button is pressed in a state where the content to be used as test processing conditions is input in the input fields of the above items, the test processing conditions of the input content are saved. In addition, a new test processing condition ID is assigned to the newly saved test processing conditions. The newly assigned test processing condition ID is displayed in the input field of "Test Processing Condition ID" in the test processing condition area.

[0047] The test machining parameter area is a display area that accepts the input of test machining parameters. A parameter set, which is a test machining parameter, is input into the test machining parameter area. In FIG. 3, the rows in the table shown in the test machining parameter area represent parameter sets. Regarding the test machining parameters in the case where machining is performed by a plurality of machining steps, the table shows parameter sets for each machining step. In the test machining parameter area shown in FIG. 3, parameter sets for each of the three machining steps are displayed.

[0048] The table shown in the test machining parameter area includes a column indicating the test machining parameter set ID. The table shown in the test machining parameter area displays a check box that is checked when registering a parameter set as a complete machining parameter. The complete machining parameter is the machining parameter used in the main machining. In FIG. 3, each of "Machining Parameter 1", "Machining Parameter 2",..., "Machining Parameter 5" shown in the table represents an item of the machining parameter that is a test machining parameter.

[0049] When the content of the parameter set, which is the reference machining parameter, is input in the reference machining parameter area, the content of the parameter set, which is the reference machining parameter, is automatically displayed in the input fields of the above items in the test machining parameter area. The user can adjust the content of the parameter set to be the test machining parameter by appropriately rewriting the input fields of the above items. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the input fields rewritten from the parameter set, which is the reference machining parameter, are colored. By coloring, the user can easily recognize the parts rewritten from the reference machining parameter among the test machining parameters.

[0050] Furthermore, the test machining parameter area shown in Figure 3 displays a "Batch Registration of Completed Machining Parameter Set" button, which is pressed when registering the parameter set displayed as test machining parameters as completed machining parameters in bulk. The test machining parameter area shown in Figure 3 also displays a "Automatic Machining Parameter Calculation" button, which is pressed when instructing the automatic calculation of test machining parameters.

[0051] The target accuracy area is a display area that accepts input for the target accuracy in the test machining process. In Figure 3, "Target Accuracy 1," "Target Accuracy 2," ..., "Target Accuracy 5" each represent a target accuracy item. Target accuracy items include, for example, finished dimensions, surface roughness, or machining tolerance.

[0052] In the machining system 10, the target accuracy set during the test machining process is saved along with the target accuracy ID, which is information used to identify the target accuracy. An input field for the target accuracy ID is displayed in the target accuracy area. When the target accuracy ID is entered, the content of the target accuracy corresponding to the entered target accuracy ID is automatically displayed in the input fields for each of the above items.

[0053] The target accuracy area displays a "Select Target Accuracy" button that allows the user to choose a target accuracy. When the "Select Target Accuracy" button is pressed, a list of saved target accuracy settings is displayed. The user selects a target accuracy setting from the list. Once a target accuracy setting is selected, the details of the selected target accuracy setting are automatically displayed in the input fields for each item above. In this case, the "Target Accuracy ID" input field in the target accuracy area displays the target accuracy ID of the selected target accuracy setting.

[0054] The Target Precision area displays a "New Target Precision" button that accepts input for new target precision. When the "New Target Precision" button is pressed after the target precision is entered in the input fields for each of the above items, the target precision of the entered content is saved. In addition, a new target precision ID is assigned to the newly saved target precision. In this case, the newly assigned target precision ID is displayed in the "Target Precision ID" input field in the Target Precision area.

[0055] The processing results area is a display area that accepts input of processing results during test processing. Details of the processing results area are shown in Figure 4, which will be explained next.

[0056] Figure 4 shows an example of a machining result area included in the input form in Embodiment 1. The machining result area is used to input information for each of several items, such as the dimensions of the workpiece, surface roughness, machining error, machining speed, or tool wear. The machining result items may also include an image showing the appearance of the workpiece. When machining is performed in each of multiple machining directions, the machining speed for each machining direction, or the number of pulses for each machining direction, may also be included in the machining result items. The machining direction is the direction in which the machining position on the workpiece progresses.

[0057] Here, multiple items that are processing results are divided into several groups according to the attributes of the items. In the example shown in Figure 4, multiple items that are processing results are divided into three groups: "Processing Result 1," "Processing Result 2," and "Processing Result 3." "Processing Result 1" are items measured by a measuring instrument. "Processing Result 2" are items in an image. "Processing Result 3" are items for which multiple numerical values ​​are obtained as a result of test processing, and the processing result is expressed by the minimum value, mean, maximum value, and variance. The user can select the item for which an input field is displayed from among the minimum value, mean, maximum value, and variance.

[0058] The processing result area shown in Figure 4 has three sections: an area displaying the input field for "Processing Result 1," an area displaying the input field for "Processing Result 2," and an area displaying the input field for "Processing Result 3." In addition, each of the "Processing Result 1," "Processing Result 2," and "Processing Result 3" areas displays an input field where comments about the processing result can be entered.

[0059] In the "Processing Result 1" area, "Processing Result 1_1", "Processing Result 1_2", ..., "Processing Result 1_5" each represent an item in "Processing Result 1". The "Processing Result 1" area also includes a tool for selecting the type or setting of the measuring instrument.

[0060] The "Processing Result 2" area displays a button for selecting an image to input as "Processing Result 2". The user selects an image from the list of images displayed when the button is pressed. The selected image is then displayed in the image input field in the "Processing Result 2" area. Note that the images included in the processing result can be either 2D or 3D images.

[0061] In the "Processing Result 3" area, the processing results for each of the three processing steps, "Processing Step 1," "Processing Step 2," and "Processing Step 3," can be entered. Each of "Processing Result 3_1_1," "Processing Result 3_1_2," ..., and "Processing Result 3_1_5" represents the "Processing Result 3" item for "Processing Step 1." Each of "Processing Result 3_2_1," "Processing Result 3_2_2," ..., and "Processing Result 3_2_5" represents the "Processing Result 3" item for "Processing Step 2." Each of "Processing Result 3_3_1," "Processing Result 3_3_2," ..., and "Processing Result 3_3_5" represents the "Processing Result 3" item for "Processing Step 3." In addition, in the example shown in Figure 4, images for each of "Processing Step 1," "Processing Step 2," and "Processing Step 3" can be entered in the "Processing Result 3" area.

[0062] Information in the processing result area can be entered by the user manually entering information for each item using the input unit 16, or by information being imported into the processing parameter generation device 11 from outside the device. For example, the processing parameter generation device 11 may import at least a portion of the information for multiple items that constitute the processing result from a file stored in the processing device 12.

[0063] The processing parameter generation device 11 may also save information indicating that information could not be obtained for the above-mentioned items if the test processing is interrupted due to a problem or processing defect and information could not be obtained for the above-mentioned items.

[0064] In the processing results area, the data obtained by calculation of the data resulting from the test processing may be displayed as the processing result. If a calculation result is obtained from the data resulting from the test processing, and there is a discrepancy between the value entered in the processing results area and the calculation result, an error may be displayed in the input form. Similarly, the data obtained by calculation for processing conditions or processing parameters may be displayed, and an error may be displayed if there is a discrepancy between the entered value and the calculation result.

[0065] As described above, the processing parameter generation device 11 accepts test processing parameters, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, standard processing conditions, outline, and processing results in an input form. The processing parameter generation device 11 stores the processing results, to which one or more of the test processing parameters, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, standard processing conditions, and outline are linked, in a database.

[0066] The processing information management unit 13 can save input forms created by each of multiple users. The processing information management unit 13 accepts operations from users to create input forms and saves the created input forms. The processing information management unit 13 reads the saved input forms and presents them to the user according to the user's instructions.

[0067] Users can create customized input forms according to their specific tasks. This allows the processing parameter generation device 11 to improve the efficiency of inputting processing information into the database.

[0068] For example, an input form is composed of modules, each representing a display area. The user can select modules to be used for each display area from a set of pre-prepared modules. The user can also arbitrarily change the arrangement of the selected modules. The processing information management unit 13 accepts operations for selecting and arranging the modules, each representing a display area. The user can create an input form by selecting modules and deciding on the arrangement of the selected modules.

[0069] Furthermore, the notation of items displayed in each display area may be rewritable by the user. In this case, the processing parameter generation device 11 shall not change the field names in the database even if the notation of the items is rewritten by the user. The processing information management unit 13 unifies the field names in the database that correspond to the items included in each processing information entered from multiple input forms.

[0070] For example, if two or more workers each use different input forms to enter the same record, the unified field names allow the processing information management unit 13 to accurately reflect each worker's input in the database. This improves the efficiency of the processing parameter generation device 11 when entering processing information into the database.

[0071] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the selection of machining conditions, machining parameters, and target accuracy in the machining parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 shows an example of a selection form for selecting machining conditions, machining parameters, and target accuracy. The machining conditions, machining parameters, or target accuracy selected in the selection form may be entered into the input form shown in Figure 3.

[0072] Here, the standard machining parameter set refers to the machining parameter set included in the initial settings of the machining apparatus 12. The selection form displays buttons for "Standard Machining Parameter Set," "Test Machining Parameter Set," and "Final Machining Parameter Set."

[0073] When the "Standard Machining Parameter Set" button is pressed, the selection form displays a list of standard machining parameter sets. The machining conditions and target accuracy corresponding to each standard machining parameter set are also displayed. When the "Test Machining Parameter Set" button is pressed, the selection form displays a list of test machining parameter sets created by the user. The machining conditions and target accuracy corresponding to each test machining parameter set are also displayed. When the "Completed Machining Parameter Set" button is pressed, the selection form displays a list of registered completed machining parameter sets. The machining conditions and target accuracy corresponding to each completed machining parameter set are also displayed. The user selects a row from this list to input the machining parameter set, machining conditions, and target accuracy into the input form. In the example shown in Figure 5, pressing the "Add to Test" button inputs the selected machining parameter set, machining conditions, and target accuracy into the input form.

[0074] Furthermore, the selection form displays tools for narrowing down the machining parameter set by machining conditions, machining parameters, and target accuracy. Users may also use these tools to narrow down the machining conditions, machining parameters, or target accuracy.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 5, a single table displays the machining parameter set, the corresponding machining conditions, and the target accuracy, allowing the user to select the machining parameter set, machining conditions, and target accuracy. In the selection form, the table displaying the machining parameter set, the table displaying the machining conditions, and the table displaying the target accuracy may be separate from each other. In this case, the user selects the machining parameter set from the table displaying the machining parameter set. The user selects the machining conditions from the table displaying the machining conditions. The user selects the target accuracy from the table displaying the target accuracy.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of an input module that accepts input of machining results in the machining parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. In the machining parameter generation device 11, it is also possible to accept input of machining results in an input module that is displayed separately from the input form shown in Figure 3.

[0077] Here, the processing result area shown in Figure 4 can be displayed by dividing it into three input modules. The processing parameter generation device 11 receives the processing results for the items in "Processing Result 1" in the input module corresponding to the "Processing Result 1" area. The processing parameter generation device 11 receives the processing results for the items in "Processing Result 2" in the input module corresponding to the "Processing Result 2" area. The processing parameter generation device 11 receives the processing results for the items in "Processing Result 3" in the input module corresponding to the "Processing Result 3" area. The user can select an input module according to the user's work content and input the processing results. This allows the processing parameter generation device 11 to improve the work efficiency when inputting processing information into the database.

[0078] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the database in which processing information is stored by the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 shows examples of data for each item in the database: processing ID, date and time, worker, comment, number of processing steps, target accuracy ID, and concerns. In Figure 7, "Worker 1," "Worker 2," and "Worker 3" each represent information indicating the worker entered in the input form. The information indicating the worker is, for example, the worker's name. The information indicating the worker may also be an ID assigned to the worker. "Comment 1," "Comment 2," and "Comment 3" each represent a comment entered in the input form. "Concern 1," "Concern 2," and "Concern 3" represent concerns entered in the input form. In the database, processing results, processing conditions, processing parameter sets, target accuracy, and outlines are linked to each other based on the processing ID.

[0079] In the above, as shown in Figure 2, the database is stored in the storage unit 24 built into the processing information management unit 13. That is, in the above, the database is stored in the processing parameter generation device 11. The database may also be stored in a device outside the processing parameter generation device 11. The processing parameter generation device 11 may also store processing information in a database stored in an external device.

[0080] Next, the viewing form displayed by the display unit 15 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing form displayed by the display unit 15 of the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0081] The viewing form displays information contained in records retrieved from the database. The information displayed on the viewing form may include, for example, processing ID, date and time, operator, processing result, processing conditions, processing parameter set, target accuracy, processing name, processing purpose, comments, and processing shape. The information displayed on the viewing form may also include concerns.

[0082] The top of the browsing form shown in Figure 8 is a filter area where tools for narrowing down records in the database are displayed. Users specify conditions in the filter area such as processing conditions, processing parameters, target accuracy, number of processing steps, date and time, processing name, processing purpose, comments, operator, or model of processing equipment 12. Users can also specify whether or not the processing parameter set is a completed processing parameter set as a filtering condition. The browsing processing unit 23 extracts records from the database that match the specified conditions. Users can also specify the records to display by entering a processing ID.

[0083] The browsing processing unit 23 extracts records from the database that match the specified conditions. If multiple databases are stored in the storage unit 24, the user can select the database to which records should be filtered.

[0084] In Embodiment 1, the user can freely customize the viewing form. The user creates a viewing form using the input unit 16. The processing information management unit 13 saves the created viewing form to the database. When the user who created the viewing form instructs the display of processing results, the viewing processing unit 23 reads the created viewing form and uses the read viewing form to display the processing results. This allows the user to easily check the processing results stored in the database.

[0085] Users can create customized viewing forms according to their work content. This allows the processing parameter generation device 11 to improve the user's work efficiency when viewing processing results. Furthermore, depending on the processing purpose, users may be able to select a viewing tool appropriate to the processing content.

[0086] Furthermore, the notation of items displayed in the viewing form may be editable by the user. In this case, the processing parameter generation device 11 shall not change the field names in the database even if the notation of the items is edited by the user. For example, if two or more workers each use different viewing forms to view the same record, the unified field names allow the processing information management unit 13 to accurately present the information for each item to each worker. This allows the processing parameter generation device 11 to improve the workability when users view processing results.

[0087] In the viewing form, for items where multiple numerical values ​​are obtained as a result of test processing, the processing results are represented by the minimum value, mean, maximum value, and variance. Users can select which items to display in the viewing form from the minimum value, mean, maximum value, and variance.

[0088] Users can customize the viewing form to select which items from the multiple processed items are displayed in the viewing form. The number of rows and columns in the viewing form automatically adjusts according to the number of items to be displayed. The viewing form may also allow users to divide multiple items into multiple groups and select whether to display or hide each group. Users can swap the display order of items in rows and columns by customizing the viewing form. Users can also change the display order of items in rows or columns.

[0089] For records with identified concerns, the processing results may be highlighted, such as by coloring the display field in the viewing form. This allows users to easily identify processing results that have been identified as having concerns. Note that highlighting is not limited to coloring the display field and is optional.

[0090] The viewing form may display the processing results for each of the multiple records extracted by the search. In this case, the viewing form will display a list of the processing results for each record. The viewing form may also visually represent at least one of the multiple items using a graph or similar method. The graph or similar method will be generated based on data read from the database.

[0091] Next, the operation of the machining parameter generation device 11 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the machining parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Here, the operation procedure when a new record is created and machining information is entered when a test machining is performed will be described.

[0092] In step S1, the machining parameter generation device 11 receives an instruction to create a new record. The user instructs the display of the input form for creating a new record by pressing the "New Record" button on the input form shown in Figure 3. In step S2, the machining parameter generation device 11 displays the input form for creating a new record.

[0093] In step S3, the machining parameter generation device 11 receives input of the test machining outline in the input form and saves the entered outline in the database. In step S4, the machining parameter generation device 11 receives input of the standard machining conditions and standard machining parameters in the input form and saves the entered standard machining conditions and standard machining parameters in the database.

[0094] In step S5, the machining parameter generation device 11 accepts input of test machining conditions and test machining parameters in the input form and saves the entered test machining conditions and test machining parameters in the database. In step S6, the machining parameter generation device 11 accepts input of machining results in the input form and saves the entered machining results in the database.

[0095] In step S7, the machining parameter generation device 11 determines whether or not to terminate the test machining. If the test machining is not terminated (step S7, No), the machining parameter generation device 11 returns to step S1. The machining parameter generation device 11 repeats the procedures from step S1 to step S7 for the next test machining. On the other hand, if the test machining is terminated (step S7, Yes), the machining parameter generation device 11 terminates the operation according to the procedure shown in Figure 9.

[0096] Furthermore, the order in which the outline, standard processing conditions, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, test processing parameters, and processing results are entered into the input form is not limited to the order described above and is arbitrary. In addition, although the outline, standard processing conditions, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, test processing parameters, and processing results are entered into the input form as described above, at least one of the standard processing conditions, standard processing parameters, test processing conditions, and test processing parameters may be omitted from the input form. If the target accuracy is entered into the input form, the input of the target accuracy and its saving to the database shall be performed in steps S1 to S7.

[0097] Next, we will describe some variations of the processing system 10. Here, we will describe two variations of the processing system 10.

[0098] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 10 shows the configuration of the processing system 30, which is the first modified example of the processing system 10. The processing system 30 shown in Figure 10 comprises a wire electrical discharge machine 31, which is a processing device 12, and a storage device 35.

[0099] The wire electrical discharge machining machine 31 comprises a machining unit 32 for machining materials, a control device 33 for controlling the machining unit 32, and a power supply unit 34. The control device 33 is a numerical control device. The power supply unit 34 has a machining power supply that supplies machining current to the wire electrodes of the machining unit 32. The power supply unit 34 also has a detector for detecting the current and voltage of the wire electrodes and a sensor for detecting the state of the machining unit 32.

[0100] The control device 33 receives detection results from the detector and detection results from the sensor. The control device 33 generates commands based on the machining program, the detection results from the detector, and the detection results from the sensor. The control device 33 controls the machining unit 32 by outputting the generated commands to the machining unit 32.

[0101] The control device 33 incorporates the same configuration as the machining parameter generation device 11 shown in Figure 1. The database where machining information is stored is stored in an external storage device 35 of the control device 33. The database may also be stored in an internal storage unit of the control device 33. The display unit 15 shown in Figure 1 is implemented by a display unit provided in the control device 33. That is, the control device 33 displays an input form and a viewing form on the display unit provided in the control device 33. The input unit 16 shown in Figure 1 is implemented by an input unit provided in the control device 33. In Figure 10, the storage unit, display unit, and input unit are not shown.

[0102] Figure 11 shows a second modified example of the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11 shows the configuration of the processing system 30, which is a second modified example of the processing system 10. The processing system 30 shown in Figure 11 comprises a wire electrical discharge machine 31, which is a processing device 12, a storage device 35, and a processing parameter generation device 37.

[0103] The wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine 31 comprises a machining unit 32 for machining the material, a power supply unit 34, and a control device 36 for controlling the machining unit 32. The control device 36 differs from the control device 33 shown in Figure 10 in that it does not incorporate the same configuration as the machining parameter generation device 11 shown in Figure 1. In the machining system 30 shown in Figure 11, a machining parameter generation device 37, which has the same configuration as the machining parameter generation device 11 shown in Figure 1, is provided outside the control device 36. The machining parameter generation device 37 and the control device 36 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0104] The database where processing information is stored is located in an external storage device 35 of the processing parameter generation device 37. Alternatively, the database may be stored in an internal storage unit of the processing parameter generation device 37. The processing parameter generation device 37 includes a display unit similar to the display unit 15 shown in Figure 1, and an input unit similar to the input unit 16 shown in Figure 1. The processing parameter generation device 37 displays an input form and a viewing form on its display unit. Figure 11 omits the illustration of the storage unit, display unit, and input unit.

[0105] Next, the generation processing unit 14 will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the generation processing unit 14 in the processing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 12 shows the generation processing unit 14 and display unit 15 of the processing parameter generation device 11 shown in Figure 1, and the processing device 12. Figure 12 also shows the artificial intelligence unit 50 connected to the processing parameter generation device 11. Note that the configuration described below may also be implemented in the processing system 30 described above.

[0106] The generation processing unit 14 functions as an information processing device that exchanges information with the artificial intelligence unit 50. The generation processing unit 14 sends the request specifications to the artificial intelligence unit 50, which has a trained model generated by learning processing information read from the above database, and obtains the processing parameters, which are the output from the artificial intelligence unit 50 for the request specifications. The generation processing unit 14 uses the artificial intelligence unit 50, which has artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, to derive a parameter set of processing parameters that satisfy the request specifications. As a result, the generation processing unit 14 generates optimized processing parameters.

[0107] The generation processing unit 14 includes a requirements specification acquisition unit 41 and a machining parameter acquisition unit 42. The user inputs the requirements for machining by the machining device 12 into the input unit 16. The requirements are the machining results and machining accuracy to be required in the machining process, such as finished dimensions, surface roughness, or machining error. The requirements entered into the input unit 16 are sent to the requirements specification acquisition unit 41. The requirements specification acquisition unit 41 then acquires the requirements. The requirements specification acquisition unit 41 outputs the requirements to the machining parameter acquisition unit 42. The machining parameter acquisition unit 42 sends the requirements to the artificial intelligence unit 50 and acquires the machining parameters output from the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0108] The information acquired by the requirements specification acquisition unit 41 may include information other than the requirements specifications. For example, the information acquired by the requirements specification acquisition unit 41 may include information such as processing conditions for processing by the processing device 12, processing purpose, or the type or model name of the processing device 12. In other words, the information that the processing parameter acquisition unit 42 outputs to the artificial intelligence unit 50 may include both the requirements specifications and information other than the requirements specifications. Information other than the requirements specifications may be input by the user to the input unit 16, or acquired by the requirements specification acquisition unit 41 from the processing device 12, etc.

[0109] The processing parameter acquisition unit 42 comprises a data acquisition unit 43 and a control unit 44. The data acquisition unit 43 acquires the required specifications. The data acquisition unit 43 outputs the required specifications to the control unit 44. The control unit 44 is an interface that allows information to be exchanged with an external device of the generation processing unit 14. The control unit 44 outputs the required specifications to the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0110] The artificial intelligence unit 50 is an artificial intelligence equipped with intelligent functions such as reasoning and judgment, and its operating environment. The artificial intelligence unit 50 is implemented, for example, using a server device which is an external device to the processing parameter generation device 11. The server device consists of, for example, one or more cloud servers. A cloud server is a server built in a cloud environment which includes computer resources provided on a cloud service platform. The processing parameter generation device 11 and the server device are connected to each other via a network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The processing parameter generation device 11 and the artificial intelligence unit 50 send and receive information from each other through communication via the network.

[0111] The artificial intelligence unit 50 comprises a learning unit 51, a model storage unit 52, and a model control unit 53. The information management processing unit 22 shown in Figure 2 sends processing information read from the database stored in the storage unit 24 of the processing information management unit 13 to the artificial intelligence unit 50. As a result, the learning unit 51 acquires the processing information read from the database stored in the storage unit 24 of the processing information management unit 13. The learning unit 51 generates a trained model by learning from the acquired processing information, which is training data. The model storage unit 52 stores the trained model generated by the learning unit 51.

[0112] The model control unit 53 receives the request specifications sent from the control unit 44. Upon receiving the request specifications, the model control unit 53 generates machining parameters corresponding to the request specifications based on the request specifications and the trained models stored in the model storage unit 52. Hereinafter, the machining parameters corresponding to the request specifications will be referred to as optimized machining parameters. The model control unit 53 outputs the optimized machining parameters to the generation processing unit 14.

[0113] The control unit 44 receives the optimized machining parameters sent from the model control unit 53. The control unit 44 outputs the optimized machining parameters to the machining device 12 and the display unit 15, respectively. The machining device 12 performs machining based on the optimized machining parameters obtained from the control unit 44. The display unit 15 displays the optimized machining parameters obtained from the control unit 44.

[0114] The pre-trained model described above includes model information, which will be explained later. The pre-trained model may also include model parameters, which are information that defines the model's behavior, such as constraints, weighting variables, and evaluation functions.

[0115] The models may include, for example, Neural Networks (NN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Variational Autoencoders (VAE), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Diffusion Models, Transformers, Large Language Models (LLM), Vision Language Models (VLM), Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), or Contrastive Language Image Pre-training (CLIP). Note that the models are not mutually exclusive; for example, LLM, VLM, BERT, and GPT are included in the Transformer category. Also, for example, a Transformer is included in the NN category. Furthermore, the learning algorithm and model may be a combination of multiple types. Models also include multimodal models, which are trained using a combination of multiple different types of data.

[0116] The trained model or other information used by the artificial intelligence unit 50 may be pre-prepared, or it may be acquired via the network as needed.

[0117] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the learning unit 51 of the artificial intelligence unit 50 connected to the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1.

[0118] In step S11, the learning unit 51 acquires processing information, which is training data. In step S12, the learning unit 51 executes a learning process to learn the training data acquired in step S11. The learning unit 51 generates a trained model through the learning process. In step S13, the learning unit 51 saves the trained model to the model storage unit 52. With this, the learning unit 51 completes the process according to the procedure shown in Figure 13.

[0119] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the processing parameter acquisition unit 42 of the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1.

[0120] In step S21, the data acquisition unit 43 of the processing parameter acquisition unit 42 acquires the required specifications. The data acquisition unit 43 outputs the acquired required specifications to the control unit 44. In step S22, the control unit 44 sends the required specifications to the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0121] In step S23, the control unit 44 acquires the optimized machining parameters output from the artificial intelligence unit 50. In step S24, the control unit 44 outputs the optimized machining parameters acquired in step S23 to the machining apparatus 12 and the display unit 15, respectively. With this, the machining parameter acquisition unit 42 completes the processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 14.

[0122] The artificial intelligence unit 50 may also generate optimization processing parameters based on a trained model acquired from outside the artificial intelligence unit 50. The artificial intelligence unit 50 may not have a learning unit 51.

[0123] In the above, the artificial intelligence unit 50 is assumed to be located in an external device to the processing parameter generation device 11. Part or all of the artificial intelligence unit 50 may be located inside the processing parameter generation device 11 or inside the processing device 12. If part of the artificial intelligence unit 50 is located inside the generation processing unit 14, the generation processing unit 14 may have a model control unit 53 instead of a control unit 44. The model storage unit 52 may be composed of multiple databases connected to each other via a network.

[0124] Next, we will describe some variations of the generation processing unit 14. Here, we will describe four variations of the generation processing unit 14. Note that the configurations described below may also be implemented in the processing system 30 described above.

[0125] Figure 15 shows a first modified example of the generation processing unit 14 of the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 15 shows the generation processing unit 14, display unit 15, processing device 12, and artificial intelligence unit 50 according to the first modified example. The generation processing unit 14 according to the first modified example enables inquiry.

[0126] The data acquisition unit 43 returns an inquiry to the requirements specification acquisition unit 41. Through dialogue with the requirements specification acquisition unit 41, the data acquisition unit 43 repeatedly inputs and outputs information related to the requirements specification. While repeatedly inputting and outputting information related to the requirements specification with the requirements specification acquisition unit 41, the data acquisition unit 43 acquires requirements specifications that match the request.

[0127] The data acquisition unit 43 requests the specification acquisition unit 41 to confirm supplementary information regarding the required specifications if additional information is needed, such as the state of the processing device 12, the setup status, the target accuracy, or the processing shape. The specification acquisition unit 41 confirms the supplementary information and returns it to the data acquisition unit 43 as a response. When the generation processing unit 14 receives the response from the specification acquisition unit 41 via the data acquisition unit 43, it uses the artificial intelligence unit 50 to derive a parameter set, which is an optimized processing parameter that takes the supplementary information into account. The above inquiries may also be made via chat. The processing parameter generation device 11 can obtain a specification that matches the request through dialogue between the specification acquisition unit 41 and the data acquisition unit 43, and can obtain more optimized processing parameters from the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0128] Figure 16 shows a second modified example of the generation processing unit 14 of the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 16 shows the generation processing unit 14, display unit 15, processing device 12, and artificial intelligence unit 50 according to the second modified example. The processing parameter acquisition unit 42 of the generation processing unit 14 according to the second modified example has a pre-processing unit 45.

[0129] The preprocessing unit 45 obtains the request specifications from the data acquisition unit 43. The preprocessing unit 45 performs preprocessing on the request specifications before processing by the control unit 44. The preprocessing unit 45 outputs the preprocessed request specifications to the control unit 44. The control unit 44 outputs the request specifications obtained from the preprocessing unit 45 to the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0130] The preprocessing performed by the preprocessing unit 45 may include, for example, adding, changing, or deleting data elements, transforming or processing data, or removing noise. If qualitative information is included in the requirements specification, the preprocessing performed by the preprocessing unit 45 may also include converting such information into quantitative information. The preprocessing performed by the preprocessing unit 45 may also include changing the data format, changing the representation or concept that the data represents, or so-called grounding. Grounding is the process of changing the representation or concept shown in the requirements specification to a more concrete representation or concept. The preprocessing performed by the preprocessing unit 45 may also include searching for additional information related to the requirements specification and adding it to the requirements specification, or a process called Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). By executing RAG, the preprocessing unit 45 searches databases related to the requirements specification, such as external databases like an in-house database or a database summarizing information related to the processing device 12, and retrieves additional information related to the requirements specification and adds it to the requirements specification. The preprocessing performed by the preprocessing unit 45 may be a process to update input information such as commands to be input to the artificial intelligence unit 50, or a process to convert the required specifications into a format that matches the input to the artificial intelligence unit 50. The machining parameter generation device 11 can obtain more optimized machining parameters from the artificial intelligence unit 50 by performing the preprocessing in the preprocessing unit 45.

[0131] Figure 17 shows a third modified example of the generation processing unit 14 of the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. The generation processing unit 14 according to the third modified example outputs the required specifications to the artificial intelligence unit 50 which has a reference information storage unit 54. The reference information storage unit 54 stores reference information which is information that the artificial intelligence unit 50 can refer to.

[0132] In the third modification, the model control unit 53 reads reference information from the reference information storage unit 54. When a requirement specification is input, the model control unit 53 generates optimization machining parameters based on the requirement specification, reference information, and the trained model.

[0133] The reference information stored in the reference information storage unit 54 is an internal company database or a database containing information related to the processing device 12. The internal company database or the database containing information related to the processing device 12 is the information that the model control unit 53 refers to in order to output a parameter set, which is the optimized processing parameter. The reference information storage unit 54 may be composed of multiple databases connected via a network.

[0134] When a requirement specification is input, the model control unit 53 searches the reference information storage unit 54 and retrieves the in-house database corresponding to the requirement specification, or a database corresponding to the requirement specification that contains information related to the processing device 12. Based on the in-house database or the database containing information related to the processing device 12, the requirement specification, and the trained model, the model control unit 53 generates a parameter set, which is the optimized processing parameter.

[0135] The artificial intelligence unit 50 may have a search engine that searches an in-house database or a database containing information related to the processing device 12, instead of the reference information storage unit 54. Alternatively, the artificial intelligence unit 50 may have an interface that can exchange information with the search engine, instead of the reference information storage unit 54. In such cases, the search range of the search engine may be an unspecified external network or a specific network. The processing parameter generation device 11 can obtain more optimized processing parameters from the artificial intelligence unit 50 by having the reference information accessed by the artificial intelligence unit 50.

[0136] Figure 18 shows a fourth modified example of the generation processing unit 14 of the processing parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 18 shows the generation processing unit 14, display unit 15, processing device 12, and artificial intelligence unit 50 according to the fourth modified example. The processing parameter acquisition unit 42 of the generation processing unit 14 according to the fourth modified example has a post-processing unit 46 that performs post-processing of optimized processing parameters.

[0137] The control unit 44 outputs the optimized machining parameters obtained from the artificial intelligence unit 50 to the post-processing unit 46. The post-processing unit 46 confirms that there are no problems with the optimized machining parameters. If there are problems with the optimized machining parameters, the post-processing unit 46 corrects the optimized machining parameters to a state where there are no problems. For example, the post-processing unit 46 corrects the optimized machining parameters to meet the required specifications. The post-processing unit 46 outputs the corrected optimized machining parameters to the machining device 12 and the display unit 15, respectively. The machining parameter generation device 11 can output optimized machining parameters that have been corrected to a state where there are no problems by executing post-processing in the post-processing unit 46.

[0138] Next, the hardware configuration of the machining parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the machining parameter generation device 11 according to Embodiment 1. The machining parameter generation device 11 is realized by a computer system comprising a processing circuit 70, a communication device 71, a display device 74, and an input device 75. The processing circuit 70 comprises a processor 72 and a memory 73. The processing circuit 70 is a circuit in which the processor 72 executes software.

[0139] The processing functions of the machining information management unit 13 and the generation processing unit 14 of the machining parameter generation device 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 73. In the processing circuit 70, the processor 72 reads and executes the program stored in memory 73, thereby realizing the processing functions of the machining information management unit 13 and the generation processing unit 14. The processing circuit 70 includes memory 73 which stores the program that will ultimately be executed as processing of the machining parameter generation device 11. It can also be said that the program stored in memory 73 causes the computer to execute the procedure and method of processing of the machining parameter generation device 11.

[0140] The processor 72 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also known as a processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). The memory 73 includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM® (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0141] The communication device 71 communicates with external devices of the processing parameter generation device 11. The communication functions of the processing information management unit 13 and the generation processing unit 14 are realized by the communication device 71. The display device 74 is a device that displays information. The display device 74 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 15 of the processing parameter generation device 11 is realized by using the display device 74. The input device 75 is a device operated by the user to input information. The input device 75 includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, keypad, or touch panel. The input unit 16 of the processing parameter generation device 11 is realized by using the input device 75.

[0142] The processing parameter generation device 11 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program according to Embodiment 1 may be provided on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD-ROM. The program may also be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the Internet or other network. The program may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0143] According to Embodiment 1, the processing parameter generation device 11 includes a processing information management unit 13 that accepts input of information indicating the processing result by the processing device 12 and input of processing parameters applied during the processing in which the processing result was obtained, and stores processing information including processing result information linked to the processing parameters in a database, and a generation processing unit 14 that acquires the required specifications for processing by the processing device 12 and outputs processing parameters generated based on the required specifications and processing information read from the database. The processing parameter generation device 11 can centrally manage processing results by constructing a database by saving processing information in the database. By accepting input of processing results and processing parameters in the input form presented by the processing parameter generation device 11, it becomes easy to link processing results and processing parameters. Because processing parameters are linked to processing results in the database, the processing parameter generation device 11 can easily obtain processing parameters that satisfy the required specifications by using the database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 has the effect of easily obtaining processing parameters that satisfy the required specifications.

[0144] The processing parameters that the processing information management unit 13 accepts as input in the input form are the test processing parameters, which are the processing parameters applied in the test processing by the processing device 12, and the reference processing parameters, which are the standard processing parameters in the test processing. The processing information management unit 13 stores the processing information, including the test processing parameters and reference processing parameters linked to the processing result information, in a database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can link the reference processing parameters and test processing parameters to the processing results and perform centralized management of the processing results.

[0145] The processing information management unit 13 accepts input of processing conditions for processing when processing results are obtained via an input form, and stores processing information, including processing conditions linked to processing result information, in a database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can link processing conditions to processing results and perform centralized management of processing results.

[0146] The processing conditions that the processing information management unit 13 accepts as input in the input form are the test processing conditions, which are the processing conditions used in the test processing by the processing device 12, and the standard processing conditions, which are the standard processing conditions used in the test processing. The processing information management unit 13 stores the processing information, including the test processing conditions and standard processing conditions linked to the processing result information, in a database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can link the standard processing conditions and test processing conditions to the processing results and perform centralized management of the processing results.

[0147] The processing information management unit 13 receives input of the outline for test processing by the processing device 12 via an input form and stores the processing information, including the outline linked to the processing result information, in a database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can link the outline to the processing result and perform centralized management of the processing result.

[0148] The processing information management unit 13 accepts input of concerns indicating events that may affect the processing results via an input form, and stores processing information, including concerns linked to processing result information, in a database. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can link concerns to processing results when events that may affect the processing results occur, enabling centralized management of processing results.

[0149] The processing information management unit 13 accepts user input to create an input form, saves the created input form, and reads the saved input form and presents it to the user. This improves the work efficiency of the processing parameter generation device 11 when inputting processing information into the database.

[0150] The input form has multiple display areas. The processing information management unit 13 accepts operations for selecting and arranging modules, which are each display area. This allows the processing information management unit 13 to customize the input form through user operations.

[0151] The processing information management unit 13 unifies the field names in the database that correspond to the items included in each piece of processing information entered from multiple input forms. This improves the work efficiency of the processing parameter generation device 11 when entering processing information into the database.

[0152] The processing information management unit 13 reads the processing information stored in the database and displays it on a viewing form presented to the user. This allows the processing parameter generation device 11 to easily allow the user to check the processing results stored in the database.

[0153] The generation processing unit 14 sends the request specifications to the artificial intelligence unit 50, which has a trained model generated by learning processing information read from the database, and obtains the processing parameters that are the output from the artificial intelligence unit 50 in response to the request specifications. As a result, the processing parameter generation device 11 can obtain processing parameters generated based on the request specifications and the processing information read from the database.

[0154] The configurations shown in the embodiments described above are examples of the content of this disclosure. The configurations of the embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Some parts of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0155] 10, 30 Machining system, 11, 37 Machining parameter generation device, 12 Machining device, 13 Machining information management unit, 14 Generation processing unit, 15 Display unit, 16 Input unit, 21 Machining information acquisition unit, 22 Information management processing unit, 23 Browsing processing unit, 24 Storage unit, 31 Wire electrical discharge machine, 32 Machining unit, 33, 36 Control device, 34 Power supply unit, 35 Storage device, 41 Requirements specification acquisition unit, 42 Machining parameter acquisition unit, 43 Data acquisition unit, 44 Control unit, 45 Pre-processing unit, 46 Post-processing unit, 50 Artificial intelligence unit, 51 Learning unit, 52 Model storage unit, 53 Model control unit, 54 Reference information storage unit, 70 Processing circuit, 71 Communication device, 72 Processor, 73 Memory, 74 Display device, 75 Input device.

Claims

1. A machining parameter generation device comprising: a machining information management unit that accepts input of information indicating the machining result by a machining device and input of machining parameters applied during the machining that obtained the machining result, in an input form presented to the user, and stores machining information including the machining result information linked to the machining parameters in a database; and a generation processing unit that acquires the required specifications for machining by the machining device and outputs machining parameters generated based on the required specifications and the machining information read from the database.

2. The processing parameters that the processing information management unit accepts input in the input form are test processing parameters which are processing parameters applied in a test processing by the processing device, and reference processing parameters which are reference processing parameters in the test processing, and the processing information management unit stores the processing information, including the test processing parameters and the reference processing parameters linked to the processing result information, in the database, as described in claim 1.

3. The processing information management unit receives input of processing conditions at the time of processing in which the processing result was obtained via the input form, and stores the processing information, including the processing conditions linked to the processing result information, in the database, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The processing parameters generation device according to claim 3, wherein the processing conditions that the processing information management unit accepts input in the input form are test processing conditions which are processing conditions in a test processing by the processing device, and standard processing conditions which are standard processing conditions in the test processing, and the processing information management unit stores the processing information, including the test processing conditions and the standard processing conditions linked to the processing result information, in the database.

5. The processing parameter generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the processing information management unit receives input of the outline for test processing by the processing device in the input form, and stores the processing information, including the outline linked to the processing result information, in the database.

6. The processing parameter generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the processing information management unit receives input of concerns indicating events that are judged to potentially affect the processing results via the input form, and stores the processing information including the concerns linked to the processing result information in the database.

7. The processing parameter generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the processing information management unit receives an operation by the user to create the input form, saves the created input form, and reads the saved input form and presents it to the user.

8. The processing parameter generation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the input form has a plurality of display areas, and the processing information management unit accepts operations for selecting and arranging modules which are each of the display areas.

9. The processing parameter generation device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the processing information management unit unifies the field names in the database that correspond to the items included in each of the processing information entered from the plurality of input forms.

10. The processing parameter generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the processing information management unit reads the processing information stored in the database and displays the processing information on a viewing form presented to the user.

11. The processing parameter generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the generation processing unit sends the request specifications to an artificial intelligence unit having a trained model generated by learning the processing information read from the database, and obtains processing parameters which are the output from the artificial intelligence unit for the request specifications.

12. A machining system comprising: a machining apparatus; a machining parameter generation apparatus for generating machining parameters to be applied to machining performed by the machining apparatus, wherein the machining parameter generation apparatus includes: a machining information management unit that accepts input of information indicating the machining result performed by the machining apparatus and input of machining parameters applied during the machining that obtained the machining result, in an input form presented to the user, and stores machining information including the machining result information linked to the machining parameters in a database; and a generation processing unit that acquires a requirement specification for machining performed by the machining apparatus and outputs machining parameters generated based on the requirement specification and the machining information read from the database.

13. A program characterized by causing a computer system to perform the following steps: accepting input of information indicating the processing result by a processing device and input of processing parameters applied during the processing that obtained the processing result, in an input form presented to the user; and saving processing information, including the processing result information linked to the processing parameters, to a database.

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